Check out these events in the San Marcos, Buda and Kyle communities this January and February.

JAN. 27: PAINT IN THE DARK

Step into the dark and participate in a Black Light Paint Party. Participants will have the chance to create a masterpiece at Studio San Martian, a cooperative community arts organization based in San Marcos. Participants will also be able to take home their artwork that glows in the dark. The event is for those age 18 and up. Participants age 21 and older are invited to bring their own alcoholic beverages. All supplies, including a canvas and paint, will be provided. 6:30 p.m. $30. 1904 RR 12, Ste. 108, San Marcos. 512-757-8666. www.studiosanmartian.com

FEB. 6-8: GET CLUED IN

The 27th annual Texas Crime Stoppers Campus Conference will take place at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in San Marcos. The event, dubbed “Clued In,” will be hosted by the Hays County Crime Stoppers with educational opportunities about pertinent trends and topics affecting the local communities, including fentanyl, school violence, cyberbullying and more. 11 a.m. (Feb. 6), 8:30 a.m. (Feb. 7), 8 a.m. (Feb. 8). $275. 1001 McCarty Lane, San Marcos. www.callcrimestoppers.com


FEB. 7: VISIT THE WETLANDS

The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment will host its first event of the year in honor of World Wetlands Day. Tour through the wetlands and glean information about its native species. 2 p.m. Free (age 2 and under), $9 (general admission). 201 San Marcos Springs Drive, San Marcos. 512-245-9200. www.meadowscenter.txst.edu

FEB. 10: GO TO A DANCE

The Kyle Parks and Recreation Department will host a Valentine’s Day Dance for People with Disabilities. The event will feature a DJ, dancing, snacks and more. Registration for the event is required to attend and will close Feb. 8. Registration is limited to the first 300 individuals. The dance is open to all ages. 6 p.m. Free. 1101 Bunton Creek Road, Kyle. 512-292-3939. www.teamsideline.com/kyle


FEB. 11: ATTEND A CONFERENCE

TEDx Texas State University will host an event with a docket of speakers from the university all about the 2023 theme “compleXity.” Speakers range from professors to current and previous students, all to discuss issues and challenges surrounding technology, health, media, science and more from different lenses and perspectives. TEDx is a self-organized event aimed at bringing people together for a TED-like experience. 12:30 p.m. $10 (Texas State students), $25 (general admission), $100 (VIP). 405 Moon St., San Marcos. www.tedxtexasstateuniversity.com

FEB. 12: HAVE A BOOZY BRUNCH

Be ready for a party at The Davenport’s Let’s Drag Brunch, an immersive experience with music, brunch and more. There will be unique drinks, such as the Come On Eileen cocktail or the Cheri Bomb shot, and other specials. Guests do not need to RSVP but are encouraged to arrive early to secure a table. 2 p.m. Free (admission). 194 S. Guadalupe St., San Marcos. www.thedavenportlounge.com


FEB. 15: BOLSTER YOUR PORTFOLIO

For those ready to take the next steps toward entrepreneurship, the city of Buda is hosting the first ever Buda Business Bootcamp full of networking events, an overview of economic development within the city, roundtable discussions and other educational opportunities for those interested in learning more about business, development, marketing and more. Registration is required and is open to anyone. 7:30 a.m. Free. 303 Main St., Buda. 512-312-0084. www.budatx.gov

THROUGH FEB. 18: SEE SOME ART

The Inspired Minds Art Center is hosting a faculty and staff art exhibit to celebrate the art of those who help make the center an important piece of the community. The exhibit is open through Feb. 18., when a closing reception will take place where patrons can meet with the artists. 4 p.m. Free. 121 Main St., Buda. 512-364-3630. www.inspiredminds.art